Who's on third is a Giant question for San Francisco

PHILADELPHIA -- The Giants' charter flight was delayed a few minutes on the Tarmac at San Francisco International Airport Friday morning because President Obama was all set to take off on Air Force One.

Perhaps Giants manager Bruce Bochy consulted a few of Obama's national security advisers when deciding on a third baseman for Game 6 today.

Mike Fontenot did not distinguish himself on defense in the first two games of the National League championship series, and Pablo Sandoval's inability to find the bag cost the Giants in Thursday's Game 5 loss. Sandoval committed a throwing error, too; he has struggled to make accurate throws on the run all season.

Will Bochy look to make a change and tighten up a loose left side?

After landing in Philadelphia, the manager said he made up his mind on a lineup but declined to reveal it. The inference, though, was that Juan Uribe would move to third base, and Edgar Renteria would start at shortstop.

"Our last lineup, that's pretty much the lineup that's gotten us here," Bochy said. "But there's a couple options there at short and third. We know it. That's what we've been talking about."

Bochy said Uribe's inflamed left wrist had calmed down, and he was taking full swings again, but he hasn't caught up to quality fastballs in weeks. Sandoval has had much better at-bats in the past two days.

The grounds crew prepared the field for batting practice, but Bochy decided to cancel the workout shortly before the team landed at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

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"We've been going back and forth between Atlanta and now here playing in Philly," Bochy said. "I just thought we were better served taking the time off and just relaxing at home."

Bochy said left-hander Madison Bumgarner would be available in the middle innings in case Jonathan Sanchez requires a quick hook. Bochy said he would check on Tim Lincecum, too.

"I don't know about (Game 6)," Bochy said. "But the last day, I'm sure he would volunteer his services."

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was noncommittal when asked if Roy Halladay could pitch an inning or two if needed in Game 7. But he didn't rule out using Game 7 starter Cole Hamels for a stint in Game 6 today, if needed.

"Depends on where we're at," Manuel said. "Do I want to? No. More than likely I won't. But at the same time, I'm not ruling it out."

Even with Lincecum using the slide step, the Phillies stole three bases against him in Game 5 -- including two by hobbled shortstop Jimmy Rollins -- and they are 7 for 8 in the series.

Bochy said the pitchers need to give catcher Buster Posey a better shot at throwing out runners, but at this point, there isn't much that can be done.

"It's who we are," Bochy said. "This team, it's not just that they steal, but they have a great success ratio. They pick the right pitches to go on. "... And it's part of the game we have to deal with.

"I thought Timmy was doing a pretty good job. But they're going to get their bases. They're good at it. And you don't want that to take away your focus of making a pitch. But at the same time, you have to give Buster a chance back there."

Lincecum didn't appreciate Rollins' aggressiveness while stealing second and third in the seventh. Cameras showed Lincecum barking at Rollins after the Phillies lined into a double play to end the inning.

Bochy said right-hander Sergio Romo had no lingering effects after he appeared to turn his ankle while slipping on the wet mound Thursday.

The Giants didn't hit a home run in Games 3, 4 and 5 at AT&T Park -- the first time they failed to homer in three consecutive games since Aug. 4-7. Cody Ross owns all three Giants home runs in the series.